PORTFOLIO

Lugar Soñado, 2021 Acrylic on canvas, 24” x 24”

I did this painting when I had been in this country for two years, and I was missing my family a lot back in Guatemala. When I saw this image, I remembered my mother and my grandmother. I thought, I wish they were here with me, and that one day I could take them both to that place. I know they would love to see it because there is no other place like that. It is Lake Como in Italy. This painting is also my first work ever, and it represents the beginning of my artistic career. I’m glad that I was able to keep it, because some people wanted to buy it when I first made it.

Through the window, 2021 Acrylic on canvas, 16” x 20”

This is my second painting, created at the start of my artistic career. Influenced by European artists, I sought to challenge myself by applying their styles while developing my own technique. The subject matter draws inspiration from my mother’s and grandmother’s garden, filled with roses and diverse plants. Beyond its personal meaning, this work reflects my early exploration of composition, color, and the connection between memory and place.

La Copa de Vino, 2022 Acrylic on Canvas, 24” x 24”

Created in early 2022, this painting marks my fourth completed work and reflects my early exploration of still life. Inspired by classical references, including books on still lifes and images of Michelangelo’s paintings, I focused on perspective, composition, and the symbolic placement of objects. This piece represents a pivotal stage in my development, as I began studying how light defines form, creates depth, and reveals the subtle tonal variations within a single object.

Madre, 2022 Acrylic on canvas, 20” x 24”

This painting represents all mothers, specifically Indigenous mothers, who have to raise their children, work hard all day, and, if they have babies, carry them with them throughout the day. Whether working, cleaning the house, or spending long hours in the heat selling their products in the city, they carry their children on their backs until they return home to prepare dinner and, at the end of the day, rest briefly before starting again the next day.
This is not because they lack education, but because society and the government system do not prioritize or provide opportunities for them to pursue careers and improve their lives. Simply due to racism and being Indigenous, they do not have the same opportunities as others in society.

Wall-E, 2022 Acrylic on canvas, 16” x 20”

This painting is deeply personal, reflecting the challenges I faced in 2022 when I left my father’s home to become independent and continue my studies. Inspired by a character from the movie who faces life alone and nurtures a small plant he finds in a boot, I sought to convey perseverance and care through my work. In the same way, I have had to cultivate my own talent despite doubts from others, and this piece represents both resilience and the ongoing pursuit of my artistic dreams.

The Candle, 2022 Acrylic on Canvas, 16” x 24”

This painting represents the light at the end of the tunnel. It reflects the idea that every problem has a solution, but we often make challenges feel bigger or more difficult by focusing on the problem instead of the solution. I created this piece entirely with a palette knife, which was an enjoyable experience and allowed me to explore a new technique using different tools.

Leisar Adelfar Garcia Sandoval, 2023 Acrylic on canvas, 11” x 14”

In this painting, I aimed to reflect the identity and diversity of the entire Santa Clara community. I arranged timelines to illustrate what migration to this country has been like and how each person contributes to improving it, regardless of their origin. With this work, I had the honor of winning first place in the Santa Clara County Office of Education competition.

Andres Lionel Messi, 2023 Acrylic on canvas, 24” x 30”

This painting was created after the World Cup, celebrating Messi’s victory with Argentina. Beyond his extraordinary skill as a soccer player, I was inspired by his humility, perseverance, and the way he connects with fans, family, and friends. The piece reflects themes of resilience and determination, capturing the idea that when one door closes, new and better opportunities arise, and that one should continue pursuing their goals even in the face of doubt.

The Weaver, 2023) Acrylic on Canvas, 30” x 40”

This painting represents all the new generations of native Guatemalans who have been, and continue to be, forced to leave behind their culture, language, and traditions. Many young native Guatemalans are still preserving the teachings of their elders, and I feel very proud to be Guatemalan and to represent them in my paintings.

I also won one of the second-place awards in the Bay Area Creative Youth Awards Competition, competing against 1,800 artists at the Bay Area Creative Foundation in San Francisco. Additionally, I received a letter from the participating artists who served as judges for the contest.

Stephen Curry, 2023 Acrylic on Canvas, 24” X 30”

This painting is the second sports portrait I have made; the first was of Messi. What I admire about Stephen Curry is that he never stopped believing in himself. Year after year, he perfected his three-point shot and refined his technique. He is an example of persistence and discipline in the pursuit of excellence. My dream is to one day meet him and perhaps give him this portrait.

El Quetzal, 2023 Acrylic on canvas, 30” x 40”

The quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala. According to legend, the Quiché prince, who was the last to confront the Spanish invaders, was accompanied by this bird when Tekun Umán was assassinated. The quetzal landed on his chest and stayed with him until his death. It was from the blood of Prince Tekun that the bird’s chest became red; for this reason, the quetzal has a red chest.

The Survivor, 2023 Acrylic on Canvas, 30” x 40”

This portrait is based on an image published by the Los Angeles Times of a survivor of an act of genocide against the native Maya. Like many oppressed people throughout history, they were often exploited by those in power, including by fellow natives who were convinced through lies to carry out the oppressors’ orders. This included killing their own people, capturing them for slavery, and destroying or forcibly transforming their culture and traditions. Shockingly, similar injustices continue today—destruction, hatred, and discrimination still occur based on differences in culture, religion, skin color, and, most importantly, social class.

Simplemente Dos Genios Del Futbol, 2023-2024 Acrylic on Canvas, 36” x 48”

This painting was created to honor two of the greatest soccer players of our time. They are not only exceptional athletes but also inspiring role models for young people. For example, they teach us to never give up and show that, with time and discipline, even after missed opportunities or setbacks, there will always be new chances in life. I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to meet them and get their signatures on it.

My Grandmother’s Kitchen, 2024 Acrylic on Canvas, 30” x 40”

This piece is very special because I created it from the memory of a night spent with my grandmother. At that time, there was no electric light, and we used lamps or candles to illuminate the kitchen. I remember the fire burning, my grandmother making tortillas, and my brother and I playing in front of it. It is one of those nights I wish I could return to, feeling pure joy while hugging my grandmother and being in that small, old house with my family. The wine bottle in the painting bears the name of my hometown, and for the tortillas, I asked my mother to send me a photo of the ones she had made. Most of the painting was done with a palette knife, while the finer details were added with a brush.

Indio Taino, 2024 Acrylic on canvas with palette knife, 24” x 30”

Indio Taíno, inspirado en la canción de René Calle 13, la cual habla de las raíces de la humanidad y de las atrocidades que los conquistadores han cometido en todo el mundo contra los pueblos indígenas, y que, incluso hoy en día, siguen ocurriendo. También busca dar a conocer que aún existen nativos que conservan las costumbres y tradiciones de sus ancestros, sin importar la discriminación ni los intentos de la sociedad de imponerles su religión, nuevas costumbres y sus absurdas reglas.

Lo Que Se Robaron, 2025 Acrylic on Canvas, 16” x 20”

I created this painting to represent the works of art that were stolen or lost during the conquest of the Americas, along with the destruction of our ancestors’ history. Many were murdered, tortured, and enslaved in an effort to erase their identity and culture. While some claim that much of the ancient art was gifted by Indigenous princes, in reality, these pieces were taken after tribes were defeated and the survivors enslaved. For these reasons, what was stolen should be returned.

(We’re Still Here, 2025 Acrylic on Canvas, 36” x 48”

The background, painted in red and black, symbolizes the blood that has been and continues to be shed, as well as the suffering endured by the indigenous peoples of Guatemala. I often use a similar symbolic background when creating other portraits of indigenous people.

Not only in Guatemala, but all over the world, native peoples—those first peoples conquered by so-called “first-world” countries—have suffered simply for being different. In this painting, the woman looks straight ahead, contemplating the future of her culture and striving to survive day by day by selling the textiles and crafts she makes by hand.

The Guardian of souls, 2025 Acrylic on canvas, 24’’ x 30’’

This painting was the representation of the Day of the Dead, which is a Mexican celebration. I wanted to depict a Xoloitzcuintle, a breed of dog, which I made as a guardian of the entrance for souls to the other world and to ensure that no soul leaves. I also did the metamorphosis, the stage that butterflies go through in the process of becoming butterflies and flying to give the world a better view before dying.